The Sacramento Bee reports Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden isn't ready to state exactly what RB Charlie Garner's role will be in the team's offense this year, but has stated that Garner will have a large say in what happens. However, he said the same can be said for RB Tyrone Wheatley and the rest of the Raiders' committee. Gruden noted that the team would be confident in using Garner in any situation or formation. As far as former Raiders RB Napoleon Kaufman goes, Gruden said the door would always be open for him to return.

The Oakland Tribune reports Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden had all the right things to say about newly signed RB Charlie Garner yesterday, but one comment raised a few questions. When wishing retired RB Napoleon Kaufman well, Gruden said, "I am not one to compare players. I am not looking at Charlie as a Napoleon-type back. I look at him as an every-down back who can come in here and help us win games." Some questioned the comment about Garner being an every-down back and how that played out with current RB Tyrone Wheatley. "We have an offensive team that will allow opportunities for Tyrone, Charlie, Tim Brown and all the offensive skill guys," Gruden said. He compared it to Philadelphia when he had Garner and Ricky Watters in his backfield. Of course there was some concern about lack of carries back then from both parties.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports Oakland Raiders senior executive Bruce Allen said the team was not caught off guard when RB Napoleon Kaufman announced his retirement earlier this week. "We have had conversations with Napoleon on and off about the possibility of his retiring," said Allen. While Allen admitted the Raiders have had some discussions with free agent RB Charlie Garner, Allen said they will not automatically sign him just because Kaufman won't be back. Allen did say they re-signed RB Terry Kirby as insurance in case Kaufman did retire. Allen did not rule out the possibility of something happening before next weekend's draft. Allen also said the team was having ongoing negotiations with LB William Thomas. He is the one free agent the team probably would most like to re-sign.

As a follow up to an earlier story, Len Pasquarelli reports for SportsLine.com agent Cameron Foster said Oakland Raiders RB Napoleon Kaufman would likely speak later this week about his retirement. Raiders officials had no immediate response. He would have earned $2.5 million in 2001. His contract included a clause that precluded him from having to repay a share of his $2.5 million signing bonus if he did step aside after the 2000 campaign. The sudden retirement of Kaufman is expected to refuel discussions between the Raiders and free agent RB Charlie Garner. Garner's agent earlier sent a proposal to Raiders officials and head coach Jon Gruden is familiar with the RB from their days together with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Times-Star reports the Oakland Raiders have renegotiated the contract of FB Zack Crockett. He was due a $500,000 roster bonus April 1 and a $1 million salary in 2000, figures which would have led to his release had he not renegotiated his contract. As previously reported, coach Jon Gruden wants to keep his entire backfield in place, including RB Napoleon Kaufman. "If we can keep our backfield together, we would be very proud to say that," said Gruden.